Coconut oil is very popular and frequently preferred as hair oil worldwide. Before you start using this oil for its many beneficial, functions, perhaps you should find out what makes it so special, and why millions of people choose to use it.

Many people living in coastal areas of the world, more specifically in the areas where coconuts grow in abundance, know that the the sweet smelling coconut oil is their one and only hair oil. These are areas like the Indian Subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Philippines, and parts of the Caribbean.

Coconut oil is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals which are good for the human body. However, coconut oil is not limited to hair; it is used in the preparation of cosmetic soaps and creams, and in Asian countries, it is also used for preparing various kinds of food and salads.

Coconut oil has been in use as hair oil for thousands of years, and it has shown remarkable results. Certain components in it keep the hair strong, nourished and protected from the effects of premature aging, like baldness and excessive hair loss. Let’s see what some of those benefits to hair are, and what components of coconut oil are responsible!

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair

Hair Loss: Coconut oil has been used since ancient times in India for grooming hair. Various remedies were prepared using herbs and coconut oil to prevent hair loss. One such remedy can be prepared in modern times by boiling sage leaves in coconut oil. This mixture can be applied to the scalp for the improvement of healthy hair, and its use will also prevent hair loss.

Applying a mixture of lime water and coconut oil can also provide relief from hair loss, as does the mixture of coconut oil and gooseberries. Boil the gooseberries in coconut oil and then apply it on the hair.

Hair Damage: The use of coconut oil on hair helps to reduce protein loss in both damaged as well as undamaged hair. Coconut oil rich in lauric acid, has a high affinity for hair protein, and easily penetrates inside the hair shaft, which is due to its low molecular weight. It can be used for pre-wash or post-wash hair grooming.

Cooling Properties: The application of coconut oil on the head and scalp also has a cooling effect. It can cool and soothe people with hot heads, or those who suffer from severe scalp sweating.

Moisture Retention: Coconut oil has a high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not easily broken down nor evaporated, being very stable. It does not let moisture escape, thus keeping hair moist and soft, which prevents breakage of hair.

Hair Conditioning: Coconut oil is a better conditioner for hair than any synthetic one available in the market. Use of warm coconut oil helps in keeping hair shimmering and soft. Apply some warm oil at night and wash your hair the next morning. This can be repeated every few days for healthy, strong and conditioned hair.

Anti-Dandruff: The various fatty acids present in coconut oil serve as very good anti-dandruff agents and are far better than any anti-dandruff shampoo. Regular application of coconut oil can help you get rid of dandruff forever. Coconut oil mixed with lukewarm water and castor oil can also be effective in treating dandruff. Massage the scalp and hair with this mixture for ideal results.

Another home remedy for dandruff can be prepared by mixing coconut oil with sesame oil. Apply this mixture for about 30 minutes and then shampoo the hair.

Styling: Coconut oil can be a good styling oil for hair as well, as it melts on heating and then condenses when cooled. Therefore, when you apply it on your hair, it thins and spreads evenly due to the heat of the scalp. Soon afterwards, as the hair comes in contact with air, the oil on the hair condenses, thus working as a styling gel or cream.

Lice Protection: Lice are a very common pest found in the hair and can cause embarrassment for anyone. They also have a tendency to come back again and again. There are many chemical products available for the treatment of lice, but unfortunately, they can also damage the scalp and hair due to their strong chemical components. Combing wet hair with a fine comb is a good remedy for getting rid of lice but this may also damage the wet hair. However, if one coats the wet hair with coconut oil, it becomes much easier to comb and subsequently remove the lice.

Hair Care for Dry Hair: For people with dry hair that is rough and thin, taking good care of your hair is a big concern. However, using strong hair care products for cleansing, toning and conditioning may lead to a dry and flaky scalp. Coconut oil can be effective in taking care of this sort of dry hair.

Hair Toning: Coconut oil also helps in the toning of hair, especially dry hair. Apply a warm mixture of coconut oil and lavender essential oil on scalp at night, then wash and rinse your hair the next morning. You may repeat this as frequently as you want until you see your desired results.

Hair Conditioning: Hair conditioner can be easily prepared at home using coconut oil. It is not only effective; it also does not have side effects. Mix some henna with coconut oil and warm milk to make a paste. Apply this to the hair for 20 minutes and then rinse hair properly. This hair conditioner is very effective, particularly for dry hair.

Boils: Some people experience the condition of boils on the scalp, especially during the winter. This may also happen if exposed to heat or sun for a long duration. It is important to keep both the hair and scalp clean, and occasional massaging of the hair with a mixture of coconut oil and olive oil may provide relief from the uncomfortable and unsightly problem of boils. However, if the problem persists, it is advisable to contact your health care specialist.

Split Ends: If you have a lot of split ends in your hair, it is generally advised to cut them, but in case this problem appears on a small number of your hair strands, then you can use simple home remedies to solve the problem. Massage your hair with a mixture of coconut oil and almond oil for a few minutes; this will help in minimizing the split ends.

Gray Hair and Baldness: Coconut oil is also beneficial for preventing baldness and gray hair. Try mixing Bhringraj or Eclipta Alba leaf juice into coconut oil and apply this on the scalp and hair.

Coconut oil is widely available in the market. Many people choose an odorless variety, use it for any and all hair conditions, and reap all the benefits of a healthy head of hair!

Coconut Oil in Shampoo

You may not be aware of this, but your shampoo likely contains coconut oil, at least in small amounts. Lately, people have come to understand how important natural oils are for hair nourishment. Oddly enough, over the past three decades or so, using oil on hair was viewed as a sign of backwardness or ignorance. The majority of people believed that, particularly in India.

The most popular look was wind-blown, fluffy light hair, resulting from indiscriminate use of oil-less, caustic and chemical-based shampoos. Very soon, however, those who oiled their hair continued to do so, while the other group had no hair left to shampoo. The excessive use of shampoo often results in drying up and breaking away of hair and total devastation of the health of the scalp.

That is when oils began to make their way into the shampoos and manufacturers began widely using coconut oil in shampoo. The major manufacturers learned a lesson from the old men and women with natural, strong jet-black hair living in coastal areas of India and neighboring countries who had been using coconut oil on their hair since childhood. Their unbelievably healthy hair was due to the coastal climate and the cultural traditions that placed pure coconut oil as an important part of their health regimen.

Commercially, using coconut oil in shampoos showed marvelous results and it was soon a widely accepted additive or pure form of hair care products.

Healthy Hair: With the various benefits such as hair nourishment, anti-aging properties, moisture retention, and vitamin E supplementation, coconut oil in shampoo is one of the best things to aid in the health of your hair.

The Oily Factor: Detergent or soap-based shampoos leave your hair dry, rough, hard and bleached. That is why you occasionally find that your comb does not go smoothly through your hair after you shampooed it. The oil in shampoo counters this effect. In coconut oil, that component comes from natural saturated fats, and they keep the hair smooth and shiny.

Fragrance: Coconut Oil adds a sweet and refreshing scent to the shampoos as an added bonus.

Here is a good video on how to use coconut oil for hair care in the optimal way.

Finally, if you are not regularly using a reliable shampoo that contains coconut oil, you can always mix some coconut oil into your preferred shampoo and enjoy the results. For the best effect, make it an organic or herbal shampoo.

Apart from the uses of coconut oil listed above, it is important to keep hair clean, eat well, use good hair grooming products that have minimal side effects and use a good comb that does not break or damage the hair. Good Luck and Happy, Healthy Hair to Everyone!

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Plse, in comments be as polite as is expected we are in face to face communication? Thnx.

Bath Bomb Creations

I have fine hair and was using DR Organics but so expensive. I am so careful what I put on my hair a it is fine. We do make natural products for humans and animals so hubby made a natural shampoo and I love it. It has coconut oil plus olive oil and neem oil plus castor oil. To test again I went back to a chemical shampoo and my hair was flat and horrid. So yes, stick with the coconut oil and I would say stick with something that is completely chemical free. Because we have our full cosmetic licence I have taken more and more notice what is on the bottles and they all seem to contain something horrid. Our shampoo has sold out in store and virtually online and I won’t turn back. Using these natural products has huge benefits, Also my hair looks thicker and that has given me extra confidence because I have none where my hair is concerned, I only had a sample to use but come Jan the new shampoo will have finished it’s curing and I’ll be grabbing a bigger chunk! I won’t touch anything chemical wise on my cats either. Best wishes, Lesley & Ray (Bath Bomb Creations & Grumpy Joe’s Pet Emporium)

mark slaney

yes very good for puffy hair

http://feelingfresh.net Hannah

I use Coconut Oil as a hot oil treatment for my hair! It leaves it super soft and beautiful, and I have pretty dry hair naturally. It also works incredibly well as a night cream or a body lotion!

http://www.organicfacts.net Meenakshi Nagdeve

Hi Hannah, its good to know that coconut oil is beneficial for your hair.
Regards,
Team Organic Facts

Sheryl

Hi, I was just wondering should the coconut oil be applied on dry hair or wet hair after you have washed it?

Madison Nicole Rappe

It can be used on dry or wet hair. When ever I apply it, I usually apply before I wash my hair when still dry. For me, applying to dry hair, my hair seems to soak up the oil much faster than if already wet. I guess bc the pores are open? But mostly I would recommend to apply before a hair wash. you will have to wash it out anyways, so you cut down on the number of shampooing to just once, we all know shampoo can damage hair if used to frequently. Usually I apply it, saran wrap my hair, and let it sit for a few hours, then wash it out, focusing on scrubbing the scalp, not so much on the ends, (shampoo days my ends out Terribly), and then condition with your normal conditioner and let it set for a few minutes before rinsing. I do this about twice a week. This technique has worked wonders for my split ends, and my growth has doubled since I started using coconut oil. Good luck to you, I hope my babbling helped you out at least a little Lol.

Tessa

Always use the treatment on dry hair. Oil and water do not mix, so if your hair is wet and you apply oil, your hair does not have a chance to absorb the oil because the water is creating a barrier that repels it.

kelly mc

As a hairdresser i recommend applying it to dry hair before shampooing..running a hot blow dryer over your hair first will open your hair follicles and maximize absorption..i usually soak my hair in it just before im about to clean my house, i leave it on about an hour while i clean and then wash my hair twice to make sure i dont have any oil in my hair afterwards. Another good tip is once your finished washing and conditioning your hair, rinse your hair in cool to cold water to close your hair follicles. If your hair follicles are closed then it will minimize how much humidity your hair absorbs , preventing your hair from becoming frizzy hope that helps

cris

the cold water closes your hair cuticle..u cant open and close your follicle!

Tessa

Cris: Yes you can, think of it as pores on your skin, the follicles of your hair are the same. That is why various hair treatments are able to effect the way they do, if our hair follicles were not porous and capable of absorption then shampoos, treatments etc, wouldn’t give the results that they do.

Mama

You can do it as both.

ayye

Great peice

Jasmine

nope

khosi

can coconut oil treat alopecia areata?

khema

Coconut oil nourishes damage hair and strengthen & smooth hair cuticle. Lavender oil can treat alopecia..so you can mix the 2 together to treat your alopecia. I hope this helps

I’ve been using coconut oil for about 4 months and it’s amazing! It makes my hair feel so soft and it makes my look less damaged. What I do is, I would apply the coconut oil to my scalp and distribute it to my ends and put my hair in a side braid (if i’m not busy) and it gives you nice waves.

Melinda

do you put it on your hair wet or dry? Do you wash it out or leave it in?

Lydia

Can coconut oil helps with itching on d scalp(sever itching )when I itch it get bottons on d scalp ,mostly after when I dye it ,but it always itching ?

Mama

yes, try coconut oil with Lavender

Mama

Yes it can, I’ve been using coconut with the mixture of Haitian castor oil. Now my hair have stop itching and it is very health. If you to know where to get it, just ask me

cleo

Where can i buy haitian castor oil? Im in Cebu Philippines. Thank you.

libby

where do you get the hatitian castor oil from

natural beauty

Or you can try Eucalyptus oil too

maliah

Is coconut oil also good for scars too?

katie lewis

Yes it is I was in a bad car crash and I had pretty bad scars on my neck and face, I used coconut oil and they did not completly go away but I can hardly tell I have scars

Beata

Can I use those coconut oil for my 3 years old daughter?????

http://www.organicfacts.net Meenakshi Nagdeve

Hello, please consult your health specialist before using it for your daughter.

Mama

Yes you can, as long she’s not allergic to coconut. I use it on my daughter with the Haitian castor oil, now her hair is fuller and thicker. She used to have thin hair,

Laurel

I actually started using coconut oil on my 3 year old daughter’s hair and it has worked miracles. She has soft, thick, dry hair and I was fed up with those so called baby hair care products that did nothing but made her hair sticky and matted. Now I just spritz her hair with a moisturizing de tangling spray and then seal it with a silver dollar size amount of coconut oil 3-4 times a week. Her hair is soft, manageable and has a natural sheen! Nature is wonderful!!

ANUJ SHARMA

Helpful!

lemuel mamon

do you ship here in the philippines?

http://www.organicfacts.net Meenakshi Nagdeve

We do not sell any products.

shantha

I just started using coconut oil for my hair and I leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it away. It’s really GREAT and has done wonders to my hair. Hair falling has been reduced, hair is shiny and nice. I’m very HAPPY that I started using coconut oil on my scalp and hair … :):)

Debra H Ayala

How does it work on color treated hair well it strip the color

Chiara White

No, it won’t strip the color unless you’re using a special dye that washes off very easily every time you take a shower or sweat.

anna

Very well read I was enlighten of the information.

Terry

I have sebhorrea (psoriasis of the scalp) which is very annoying and itchy! I was told to combine cedarwood extract with coconut oil as a scalp treatment. Anyone know how much cedarwood extract should be put in the oil…….

amanda martinez

Can i apply coconut oil into my hair if it already has hairspray or gel or hair moose on it? or do i have to wash it and wait like an hour until it drys and then apply coconut oil into my hair??? Please help me, thanks